Caste-differentiation
Guides
Brachygastra
Honey Wasps, Mexican Honey Wasps
Brachygastra is a genus of 17 species of social paper wasps in the family Vespidae, commonly known as honey wasps. The genus is notable for being one of the few non-bee insects that produce and store honey in substantial quantities. Species are distributed throughout Central and South America, with one species (B. mellifica) extending into the southwestern United States. The genus exhibits pronounced morphological caste differentiation, with queens typically larger than workers. Nests are arboreal, constructed from chewed plant fibers, and can persist for multiple years in tropical climates.
Incisitermes schwarzi
Schwarz's Drywood Termite
Incisitermes schwarzi is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as Schwarz's Drywood Termite. It inhabits dry, dead wood in intact branches and exhibits a one-piece nesting ecology where colonies remain within their food source. Colonies are relatively small, typically containing 50–250 individuals with mixed developmental stages. The species shows strong social disease resistance mechanisms, with grouped individuals significantly more resistant to fungal infection than isolated ones.
Nasutitermitinae
Nasute Termites
Nasutitermitinae is a subfamily of higher termites within Termitidae, comprising 81 genera and approximately 605 species with near-cosmopolitan distribution. The subfamily is distinguished by a highly derived soldier caste bearing vestigial mandibles and a prominent fontanellar process (the nasus) used to project chemical defenses. Notable genera include Nasutitermes, Hospitalitermes, and Constrictotermes, the latter two recognized for forming conspicuous above-ground foraging trails.
Reticulitermes flavipes
Eastern Subterranean Termite
Reticulitermes flavipes, the eastern subterranean termite, is the most common and economically significant termite species in North America. Colonies are large, ranging from 20,000 to 5 million workers, with a primary queen producing 5,000–10,000 eggs annually. The species exhibits complex caste differentiation including workers, soldiers, and multiple reproductive forms. Native to the southeastern United States, it has become invasive in Europe, South America, and other regions through human transport.
Zootermopsis nevadensis
Nevada Dampwood Termite, Nevada Termite
Zootermopsis nevadensis is a eusocial dampwood termite in the family Archotermopsidae, native to the western United States. It is a hemimetabolous species with complex caste differentiation including workers, soldiers, alates, and neotenic reproductives. The species has been extensively studied for its genomic characteristics, including exceptionally high DNA methylation levels and reduced opsin genes associated with its subterranean lifestyle. Two subspecies are recognized: Z. n. nevadensis and Z. n. nuttingi, with the latter having its genome sequenced.